As temps rise in Lubbock and South Plains, so do crime rates, including domestic violence

The phones at the local domestic violence shelter are ringing more lately, and the rooms are filling up quicker since it started getting warmer.

More than 20 families just this week have sought help, and officials say that number likely will continue to rise with the temperatures.

"Our numbers are starting to go through the roof," said Roy Rios, with Women's Protective Services, the nonprofit that runs the local shelter. "Summer is our busiest time."

They currently have 95 clients compared to 60 about a month ago.

Crime, including domestic violence, tends to rise during the summer months. Experts say there are many different possible explanations for that, including the heat, the fact that children are out of school, and a more party-like atmosphere that may include more drinking.

And while crime does rise some, Lubbock Police Capt. Greg Stevens said he believes it's a misconception that it spikes dramatically during the summer.

For example, during the 2009 summer, the monthly average for Part 1 crimes rose by about 200 in Lubbock, according to Lubbock Police Department records. Part 1 crimes include: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, vehicle theft and arson.

The average for June, July and August was 1,434 crimes each compared to about 1,200 monthly for the rest of the year.

Aggravated assaults, juvenile crimes and thefts seemed to experience the most noticeable spikes during the summer in Lubbock, according to crime records.

For example, the average monthly rate for aggravated assaults between October through January was 121 compared to 153 between May and August. The highest month for aggravated assaults last year in Lubbock was 174 in August.

Experts and statistics confirm there is a link between a rise in crime and the summer, but officials say neither the summer nor the heat cause crime.

Stevens said the weather is just one of multiple factors that might influence the crime rate.

There may be many factors during the summer that might contribute to the rise in crime, according to experts.

Stevens said the nice weather has more people outside, so there may be a change in not only criminal behavior, but victim behavior.

Residents may be more relaxed and focused on enjoying being outside and less likely to be vigilant about crime prevention. Criminals may prey on that and see more opportunities.

And when school is out, juvenile crimes also spike, possibly because they have more time and opportunity. Common juvenile crimes are criminal mischief and vandalism, such as shooting out car windows and theft.

The hot weather may also increase tensions, which might lead to more arguments and thus more reports of aggravated assault.

Rios agreed the heat and the fact that school is out are common triggers for abusers, though they don't cause abuse or create an abusive relationship.

But added stress could lead to increased violence and tension, which may lead to more victims seeking help escaping.

Rios said some possible factors that could increase tension in an already violent relationship could include: no air conditioning, lack of food, lack of activities for children to take part, more opportunity or increased atmosphere for drinking parties.

Victimized parents also may be more likely to get out of an abusive relationship during the summer because the children may be exposed more frequently to violence while out of school.

While the local shelter is getting more clients lately, Rios said they won't turn anyone away. There are plans to deal with large quantities of people.

The shelter has geared up to prepare for the rush, as they do during the Christmas season, which is the second busiest time of year.

The shelter provides a number of services for victims, including a 24-hour hotline, emergency transportation and shelter, and free legal and counseling services, as well as other necessities, such as food and medicine.

To seek help, find out more about services or just talk, call the 24-hour line at (806) 747-6491 or (800) 736-6491.

CRIME/Experts say many factors can lead to increase in incidents during summer months

Seek help from domestic violenceWomen's Protective Services offers a number of free services for domestic violence victims in the region, including:• Free and confidential 24-hour crisis line: (806) 747-6491 or (800) 736-6491.• Emergency transportation to a heavily secured shelter. • Free legal services and assistance in obtaining social services.• Goods such as clothing, food and medicine.• Individual and group counseling and support groups.• Parent education and children's programs.• Welfare to work/job readiness program and community education.

Source: Lubbock Police DepartmentCrime in your neighborhood• Learn more about what crime is happening in your area by checking out The A-J's new crime database at www.lubbockonline.com. Databases can be found on the "A-J Pedia" page.• The new database allows you to search for different crimes in your neighborhood, including house and car burglaries, car thefts, robberies and DWI.• Crime data is updated weekly using data from the Lubbock Police Department.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for
following agreed-upon rules of civility. Posts and
comments do not reflect the views of this site. Posts and comments are
automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some
comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules,
click the "Flag as offensive" link below the comment.

Kudos to our WPS! We need to know what Lubbock is doing to help expand their services - this is not going to improve in the near future, with our base crime rate increasing, and population, too.

Victims in the DFW region now frequently have no shelter to seek safety in, for themselves and/or their children; some women call each one of them daily, hoping for help. Let us commit to never letting that happen here, and the 'burbs' need to pitch in, too. Each community must have a shelter of some type, to protect those in danger.